How To Identify Insects

How to identify insects? Identifying insects is a process of long, patient observation. Since there are millions of species and subspecies of insects and animals in general, you have to be careful in deciphering what is and isn’t the correct type of insect. As with most things in life, the process of identifying insects is largely based on simple observation. The process essentially involves the observer gong about collecting the information, reviewing said information, and finally delivering a conclusion as to what exactly the insect is.

How to identify insects: Know its habitat

Pay close attention to the environment of your specific inset. If you’re looking for a certain type of insect, understand where you may find them in nature. For example, gardens are a tremendous source to finding many active species of spider, butterfly, bee and beetle. Open fields are another great source, especially for crickets as well as spiders. Forests and marshy locals attract specialized species requiring these facilities- bodies of water tend to be a good source of mosquitoes and dragonfly.

Time of day

For a food portion of the insect kingdom, activity will usually peak around midday, typically when the temperature is at its highest (especially for bees and butterflies). Some insect will become more active at dawn or dusk-like mosquitoes- but most are busiest at night (spiders and moths).

Equipments

Carrying a magnifying glass or digital camera/phone is a good idea if possible. Any instruments that allow for careful up-close observation to really allow the observer to thee the details that are often missed through the naked eye. A digital snapshot of the insect can be further dissected in the comfort of your home at a later time.

As with identifying anything; it requires time, patience, the correct habitat, and lots of patience. After careful analysis, it will become more natural to identify certain types of insects. Careful scrutiny and care must be taken in order to correctly identify each creature.